Cambodia to Vietnam
Charity Ride

Distance

750km +

Departs

Nov 2019

Duration

13 days

Detailed

Itinerary

Price from

A$3000

Cambodia to Vietnam Charity Ride

Water Safety Vietnam Charity Bike Ride

Every day in Vietnam, children drown

You can make a real difference to the lives of children in Vietnam by taking part in the inaugural Cambodia to Vietnam charity bike ride. The money raised from this fantastic initiative will go towards the Ho Tram swimming project where WSV engage in local ‘train the trainer’ swimming programs.

Our ride starts at the wonders of the Angkor Temples in Siem Reap and takes us all the way to the Ho Tram swimming center in Vietnam, where you will see how your support directly helps save lives in this rural Vietnamese community.

All proceeds from the funds go directly to WSV and support the local swimming and training programs. The ride is strictly limited in places and will host no more than 20 riders in November 2019.

To book your place or find out more information, contact:

Marilla Gorman
Ph: 0422 450 580
[email protected]

$ 3,000

10 of 13 days cycling
Approx 750km
Terrain: Flat, some off road
Start: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Finish: Ho Tram, Vietnam
Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
Cycle Angkor Temples
Visit floating villages
Comfortable accommodation
Fully supported van
Meals included

Features & Inclusions

Tour Inclusions

All accommodation
Full Bicycle hire,
Local guides, support van driver and mechanic
Full support vehicle for the ride with water and fruit
Multiple field trips to villages and communities
Entry to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh
Most dinners & breakfast as per the itinerary

Hotels

We understand how important it is to take rest in a place that’s clean and comfortable – especially after a hard slog on the bikes. That’s why we always make an effort to get you settled in somewhere in town suited to that description. Where we can, we will organise boutique style accommodation for everyone (with a pool) because quite frankly, you deserve it. We’ll also make sure that a massage is not far away! In Ben Tre in the midst of the Mekong Delta, we stay with a local family in a homestay setting. This is a great chance to pick up a few cooking skills!

The price is based on twin share. A single supplement is available for A$350.

Hosts

You’ve probably heard it said a dozen times already, but you’ll find some of the friendliest people on the planet in Cambodia and the same stands true for Hoem; our translator/guide/driver and all round great guy. Hoem has been with us from our very first tour and gives testament to the value of local knowledge. And of course, Brett Seychell, the Social Cycles founder does not miss an opportunity to get back on the bike and cycle through his favourite part of the world. Cycling Cambodia is the inspiration for what has become Social Cycles. Once we cross the border into Vietnam, we’ll meet up with the Social cycles Vietnam crew who will guide us all the way to Saigon!

Food

The best part about cycling from one country to another is to cycle through the various regions of food along the way. This is slow travel at it’s best as Cambodia offers salt lakes and pepper farms, fresh crab markets in Kep and tarantulas in Phnom Penh (optional!) Meanwhile, in the Mekong Delta, you will roll your own noodle sheets and eat your way through a street food degustation sensation of everything sweet, salty, spicy and sour! You’ll never eat at Roll’d again!

Bikes

In Cambodia, we use Reid X-Trail 26 (and some X-Trail 29’s) mountain bikes to get us through some of the tough terrain that awaits. As most of the riding is off the beaten track, the front suspension makes for a much more supportive ride. Flick the mechanical lock-out, and the Suntour XCT 100mm travel fork becomes rigid, ideal for fast climbs and hard sprinting. When the trail points down, powerful mechanical disc brakes, 24-speed Shimano gearing and 2.10″ tyres you power and control. Reid X-Trails feature tough alloy Alex DH-17 double-walled rims with stainless steel spokes and KT quick release hubs. This makes up a light, robust and reliable wheelset. All bikes come equipped with a water cage, but for hygienic reasons, you’ll need your own water bottle.

Distance

When we embark on an 85km day, the distance can seem quite daunting. However, an early start for 7am and an ETA of 4pm arrival gives us 9 hours to get there. And two hours of extra daylight up our sleeve if we need it! Travelling by bicycle is not about the destination, but the journey. We’ll stop for Khmer and Vietnamese coffees, local treats, lunch and of course, to take plenty of pictures. When we are moving, the average pace is about 20km per hour but that is flexible depending on the confidence of the group. Our small group policy means it’s easier for all of us to stay together. You don’t need to be super fit for this ride, you just need to be positive.

Group size

For this ride, we’ll have a maximum of 20 riders and a minimum of 8. We’re hoping to generate more than $20,000 directly to Water Safety Vietnam after all logistics and expenses have been paid.

Everything you need to know...

Want to know what you’re really getting yourself in for? Click through to read all the finer details, travel advice, visa stuff, what to pack, vaccinations, safety, getting there and away, money matters and everything else you could possible think of!

Reviews from our riders

My wife and I completed Brett's Cambodia to Vietnam tour. I have travelled over much of the world and have had more than a few adventures. This one was excellent in all respects. Brett has a laid back approach but a remarkable attention to detail. The tour was amazing! We toured a number of farms and organizations that are doing good for the local people. Very inspiring. Before the trip, my wife and I were concerned that we would not be able to keep up with the bicycling. We are healthy, but not especially fit, and we are a bit older; I am 68 and my wife is 57. It turned out that our worries were misplaced. The cycling was challenging but far from overwhelming and we did just fine. My goal now is to try to convince one of my grown children or one or two of my more adventurous friends to take one of Brett's tours. I know they would not be disappointed.

Bill GiffordFeb 2018

Our ride with Brett from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City was one of the most memorable trips I have ever done. It was the perfect balance of physical challenge and authentic exposure to the off road realities in Cambodia and Vietnam. We have cycled in many countries but nothing even vaguely compares with this experience. I was particularly moved by our guide Brett’s commitment to showing us the roads less travelled in these countries and his gentle and non-intrusive encouragement of all of us to see these places as he sees them and to follow him on this physical and social journey while carefully attending to our safety. A real odyssey on so many levels. We are still baking in the afterglow.

Geoff SolarshJanuary 2018

I've been fortunate enough to join Brett on two trips with Social Cycles now, met some awesome like minded people and had some great laughs As you would expect, the accommodation is not 5 star but clean, comfortable and compĺemented with friendly staff. The Reid mountain bicycles are comfortable, well maintained and fit for purpose, the cycling legs each day, although challenging, are achievable with some training. If you want a cycling adventure holiday with purpose via the road less travelled, visiting and learning from local NGOs, with great people and great food.....this is it Brett and his support team are very well organised, professional and great fun to tour with Looking forward to my next trip with Social Cycles.

Stuart OpieJan 2018

This trip was beyond my expectations - Brett was a supportive, well-educated guide whose support personnel were incredibly well organized. This is for the adventurous and those who want to be truly immersed in the local culture, food, customs and social issues. Brett's commitment to socially responsible travel shines through out this trip, thus making the experience unforgettable and life changing. Our small group of 12 cyclists bonded and watched out for each other, thus adding to why this is one of the best trips I have ever experienced. I felt I got my full money's worth and MORE with this trip. For those with a spirit of adventure in your heart - don't hesitate to participate in one of Brett's trips. You will be changed in your view of yourself and how you see the world. It was one of the best, if not THE BEST travel experience I was able to take! It was truly a life-changing experience for me.

Cynthia WithersJan 2018

Wow Wow Wow!!!! I just returned from the cycle Cambodia to Vietnam trip Dec 2017 I have done many of these types of adventure trips, but none of them even came close to this experience. Brett will make sure that you have an epic, life-changing experience! More importantly, Brett has his HEART AND SOUL into making sure the trip is helping to make a positive impact on a social level in countries that are truly struggling. Visiting the NGO'S was surely a highlight and very eye opening. When you take a tour with Brett... yes, you cycle! but you are also helping to contribute to positive change in countries that REALLY need the help. In addition, Brett was in contact with me personally from the start. He replied to my questions and got back to me on my concerns. Other bigger companies did not do this.I really appreciated the personal communication. It is very comforting especially when traveling solo and visiting such foreign countries. If I had just one last thing to say... I would use the NIKE slogan..."JUST DO IT"

Hallie Click Here

We have been fortunate to go on a journey of a lifetime from Phonm Penh to Hoi Chi Minh. 500km in total. Brett took us right out of our comfort zones and revealed a world we didnt know existed. We cycled through a maze of interesting back roads and pathways that revealed a side of Cambodia and Vietnam most Westerners would never see. We enjoyed the cyclying part immensely. It was a challenge at times but so worth the experience. Brett is a wonderful humanitarian who introduced us to 4 NGOs along the way We will go home and share with others the knowledge we have gained about the NGOs we visited. He is an incredible leader and organiser. Nothing seems to rattle him. We knew we were always in safe hands and felt great confidence in all his directions. All the best for Social Cycles and hopefully oneday we will join you again. Best wishes Joanna and Steve

joanna & steve elliotDec 2017

Reviews

Brett has a laid back approach but a remarkable attention to detail. The tour was amazing! My goal now is to try to convince one of my grown children or one or two of my more adventurous friends to take one of Brett's tours. I know they would not be disappointed.

Bill GiffordFeb 2018

Our ride with Brett from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City was one of the most memorable trips I have ever done. A real odyssey on so many levels. We are still baking in the afterglow.

Geoff SolarshJanuary 2018

I've been fortunate enough to join Brett on two trips with Social Cycles now. If you want a cycling adventure holiday with purpose via the road less travelled, visiting and learning from local NGOs, with great people and great food.....this is it Looking forward to my next trip with Social Cycles.

Stuart OpieJan 2018

For those with a spirit of adventure in your heart - don't hesitate to participate in one of Brett's trips. You will be changed in your view of yourself and how you see the world. It was one of the best, if not THE BEST travel experience I was able to take! It was truly a life-changing experience for me.

Cynthia WithersJan 2018

Hallie Click Here

We have been fortunate to go on a journey of a lifetime from Phonm Penh to Hoi Chi Minh. 500km in total. Brett took us right out of our comfort zones and revealed a world we didnt know existed. We cycled through a maze of interesting back roads that revealed a side most Westerners would never see. Brett is an incredible leader and organiser. Nothing seems to rattle him. We knew we were always in safe hands.

joanna & steve elliotDec 2017

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Siem Reap

Arrival day and welcome dinner (D)

We arrive and stay in the heart of the cosmopolitan lifestyle that has been thrust on Siem Reap since the country has opened up to the outside world. Tourism is opening new markets, opportunities, revenue streams and challenges for the local area. After we pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel, take some time to relax or explore the city before we meet for a welcome dinner. Dinner is at one of Siem Reap’s best restaurants, Marum. It’s part of the Friends International social enterprise projects, providing vocational training for marginalized youth.

Day 2: Siem Reap

Sunrise cycling around the temples of Angkor (B)

Sunrise is from 4.30am as we hit the bikes for the first time, but it is so worth it. Sunrise over Angkor Wat is a bucket list achievement for good reason. From here we’ll venture on to other, and arguably more impressive, temples in the area for the remainder of the morning. In the early afternoon we’ll have the chance to visit our first NGO of the trip. We will spend time with these incredibly inspirational people that have dedicated their lives to helping others. Hear their stories and understand what the real issues of the country are.

Day 3: Batambang

River riding, local villages and coffee stops (B,L,D)

Travelling across the wetlands and navigating our way around Tonle Sap river is an experience you will never forget. The road soon turns to single track as we get more and more remote. We farewell our support van and venture on into the rural and barren lands of Cambodia. Few villages exist out here, supporting themselves through sustainable fishing methods. Battambang is great for shopping, with colonial style streets and hidden secrets where bric-a-brac abounds. Dinner is in another social enterprise based restaurant, Jann Bai, that produces food on par with anything in any Australian city.

Day 4: Pursat

Adventure cycling, red dirt & Sustainable Cambodia (B)

After an early breakfast, we’ll make our way along the dusty red back roads around Battambang. We’ll visit Banan temple and Phnom Sampov. We’ll get to the town of Pursat by early afternoon and into our hotel to enjoy the swimming pool and on site massage spa.

Day 5: Phnom Penh

Cycling into Phnom Penh, riverside villages and Tonle Sap (B,D)

We start cycling 75km out from Phnom Penh, and ride all the way up to the front door of the hotel. The back roads bring in some of the most spectacular scenery as we pass through villages living on Tonle Sap lake. The ride takes in great coffee stops, endless photo opportunities and a couple of ferries. The final 2km within the heart of the city can be transferred via van as an option.
For dinner, it’s a feast of tarantula’s and silk works at the famous Romdeng restaurant, a social enterprise restaurant from the friends International team.

Day 6: Phnom Penh

Friends International, S-21 genocide museum and Khmer BBQ (B,D)

We’ll start the day by meeting the incredible people at Friends International and learn about the wonderful work they do within the community. This is a great insight into REAL local everyday issues, from real local everyday heroes. From the office, we venture towards the Russian market and then move to Tuol Sleng, also known as S-21 Genocide Museum. This devastating chapter of the Khmer Rouge and Cambodian history is emotionally challenging but strongly recommended. There is some free time in the afternoon to process your day, whilst we’ll meet again for a local Khmer BBQ dinner.

Day 7: Kampot

Chisaur Temple: Our first cycle day (86km) (B)

Our first major cycling day takes us south of Phnom Penh to Chisaur Mountain Temple in rural Cambodia. It’s not really much of a mountain at 130m and the route is perfectly flat. We casually cycle through remote villages and waterways, via narrow dirt tracks. Chisaur Temple is where we’ll be for lunch as we have plenty of time to explore these ancient ruins which are 200 years older than Angkor Wat. From here, we’ll take the van down to the Cambodian coastal town of Kampot to enjoy the culinary delights on offer.

Day 8: Rach Gia (Vietnam)

Salt lakes, pepper farms, live crab markets and white beaches (D)

Today we cross over the border into Vietnam, but not before we discover the wonderful province of Kep. Located just before the border, this town is famous for it’s fresh seafood, particularly crab. We’ll spend a couple of hours exploring the famous pepper plantations and salt lakes on the way.Navigating through the back roads, we’ll make our way around the National Park and to the border crossing into Ha Tien Vietnam.
From Ha Tien, we’ll jump in the van and head to Rach Gia for a feast of local seafood and Banh Xeo.

Day 9: Can Tho

Cycling the Mekong Delta (82km) (B)

Can Tho is where the Mekong Delta really comes into it’s own! To get there we cut through the back roads of rice paddys and farm land, arriving in the city by late afternoon. With a population of over a million and a thriving tourist trade, Can Tho has a vibrancy about it like none other. Relax and explore this amazing city. For dinner, we’ll pull up a patch of grass at the night market and treat yourself to a degustation of delightful street food!

Day 10: Ben Tre

Ben Tre:

More Mekong cycling and a local homestay (B,D)

We’ll take a day to casually explore the oasis that is the Mekong Delta. From the coconut candy factories of Ben Tre to the canals and floating markets of My Tho, this is a place to relax and unwind. We’ll avoid the hordes of tourists in My Tho by using Ben Tre as a base to explore the region. It’s still a full day cycling from Can Tho and we’ll enjoy getting amongst the maze that is the Mekong Delta. We should get into Ben Tre for 5pm, and relax with a local family in their home (private rooms). You’ll also have the chance to have an impromptu cooking class for great local food!

Day 11: Saigon

Cycling into Saigon (89km) (B)

We’ll start early to beat the heat and what we can of the traffic. Cycling into Saigon for the last cycle day of the tour is an incredible experience. Ho Chi Minh is what the world would look like if cars weren’t invented. With whole lanes and roads dedicated to two wheels, it is the city of the future as the population grows. The last 12 km will be where we rest up and transit into the city centre itself via the support van. Our boutique hotel is in the heart of the city, just a short stroll from the Street Food Market for dinner and a live band.

Day 12: Ho Tram

See Water Safety in Action

Our last riding day and we’ll depart Saigon for the coast of Vietnam, taking us all the way to Ho Tram. It’s a long day, so we’ll depart Saigon by van to give us a head start, and to get us out of the Saigon traffic! When we arrive, we’ll have the chance to visit Water Safety Vietnam directly, and see firsthand the difference your donation has made!! Our last dinner together will be one of celebration! Congratulations!

Day 13: Departure Day

Departure Day!

Congratulations! You’ve cycled across a couple of countries, covered almost 750km in the saddle and more than scratched the surface as to what these fantastic countries are about. We’ll enjoy a final breakfast together before we get you off to the airport and on your way home.